Science Stories

Students are increasingly using AI to write texts, create summaries and even solve complex problems. What was still experimental just a few years ago has now become part of everyday education. But this raises a fundamental question: what should students still be able to do themselves, and what do we leave to AI?

You’re calmly making yourself a sandwich, the doorbell rings, you turn around quickly — thud — there it goes. And of course it lands exactly how you don’t want it to: topping‑side down. But… does a sandwich really always fall that way? And if so, why? In this video from the University of the Netherlands, Minke Berghuis, physicist at the University of Twente, dives into this seemingly simple yet surprisingly deep question. Because behind that annoying little accident on your kitchen counter lies an entire world of physics.

13 January, last 16 of the KNVB Cup. FC Twente are playing away at FC Utrecht. In the 59th minute, Twente are 1-0 down. Something has to change. Van den Brom makes a substitution and brings on Ricky van Wolfswinkel for Sam Lammers. Nine minutes later, it pays off. Van Wolfswinkel scores the equaliser. Late in the match, Mats Rots makes it 1-2 and turns the game around.
Every supporter recognises this moment. A substitution can change the course of a match. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not. But what actually happens when a substitute comes on? And can you measure that impact?

Why do so many residents of Enschede not vote in municipal elections? The short answer: because inequality, distrust and everyday pressures together create a barrier that is far higher than what a single election day can overcome. In a conversation with political scientist Floris Vermeulen, a complex (but not hopeless) story unfolds. “Low turnout is not a lack of interest in politics. It is often a rational response to years of lived experience.”

A partner who always listens, never gets angry and does exactly what you want. What does that mean for how we think about intimacy? PhD researcher Maaike van der Horst investigates at the University of Twente how sex robots and digital AI partners are changing our ideas about relationships, desire and vulnerability.